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Islamic History & Culture Past Paper MCQs
Islamic History & Culture 2025 MCQs
1 / 20
Which of the following best describes the role of the Caliph in the Islamic State under the Prophet Muhammad ( ﷺ ) and the Pious Caliphate?
The Prophet (ﷺ) and Rashidun Caliphs led prayers, judged disputes, and governed. Separation of "political" and "religious" roles is a later concept.
2 / 20
Which major translation movement occurred during the Abbasid period, especially in the House of Wisdom in Baghdad?
The Bayt al-Hikma (House of Wisdom) translated works by Aristotle, Plato, and Galen, fostering the Islamic Golden Age.
3 / 20
The Abbasids contributed significantly to which cultural field?
Abbasids excelled in astronomy (Al-Battani), literature (One Thousand and One Nights), and mathematics (algebra by Al-Khwarizmi).
4 / 20
Which event is considered the turning point in the establishment of the Abbasid Caliphate?
Abbasids defeated Umayyads at the Zab River (Iraq), leading to their fall. Damascus fell afterward; the Siege of Mecca (683 CE) was earlier.
5 / 20
Which of the following was the main source of cultural influence in pre - Islamic Arabian society?
Pre-Islamic Arabia was largely isolated, with tribal customs (e.g., poetry, oral traditions) dominating. While Persian, Byzantine, and Christian/Jewish influences existed at the periphery (e.g., trade routes), none were the main source of cultural influence.
6 / 20
Which is the year of the blessed birth of Prophet Muhammad ( ﷺ )?
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) was born in the "Year of the Elephant," corresponding to 570–571 CE, based on Islamic historiography (e.g., Ibn Ishaq’s Sirat Rasul Allah).
7 / 20
During which of the following was the Dome of the Rock built?
Completed in 691 CE, the Dome was a Umayyad project to assert Islamic identity in Jerusalem. Umar (رضي الله عنه) built a simpler mosque there earlier.
8 / 20
Which architectural marvel was commissioned during the Umayyad rule and is still a symbol of Islamic art?
Built by Caliph Walid I (705–715 CE), it showcased mosaics and a grand design. Hagia Sophia was Byzantine (converted to a mosque later).
9 / 20
Under the leadership of Caliph Umar ibn al - Khattab( رضي الله عنه ), the Islamic empire expanded into which region?
Umar (رضي الله عنه) oversaw the conquest of Persia (Battle of Qadisiyyah, 636 CE) and Byzantine territories (Battle of Yarmouk, 636 CE). North Africa/Spain came later under Umayyads.
10 / 20
What was the primary source of law during the time of the Prophet Muhammad ( ﷺ )?
The Qur’an was the supreme source, supplemented by the Prophet’s Sunnah (Hadith). Ijma (consensus) became a secondary source later.
11 / 20
Who is considered the most famous Abbasid polymath in the field of medicine and philosophy?
Ibn Sina’s Canon of Medicine and Book of Healing were seminal. Al-Razi was a physician; Al-Khwarizmi was a mathematician; Al-Farabi a philosopher.
12 / 20
The Umayyads made a significant contribution to Islamic coinage by introducing which feature?
Umayyads replaced Byzantine/Persian imagery with Qur’anic verses (e.g., "La ilaha illallah"). Portraits were banned under Islamic norms.
13 / 20
What is the main characteristic of the political system in the Islamic state established by the Prophet Muhammad ( ﷺ )?
Governance was based on divine law (Qur’an/Sunnah), not democracy (people’s rule) or monarchy (hereditary rule). "Theocracy" here means divine guidance, not clergy rule.
14 / 20
Which of the following events significantly contributed to the spread of Islam in the Arabian Peninsula?
The bloodless conquest (630 CE) led to mass conversions, as Quraysh accepted Islam. Hudaybiyyah (628 CE) was a diplomatic milestone.
15 / 20
In the context of early Islamic defense, which military leader is known for his strategic brilliance and leadership during the battle of Yarmouk?
Khalid’s tactics (e.g., mobile guard units) secured victory against Byzantines, though Abu Ubaidah (رضي الله عنه) was nominal commander.
16 / 20
Which companion of Prophet Muhammad ( ﷺ ) is known for his role in collecting the Qur'an and transmitting knowledge to the next generation?
Zayd compiled the Qur’an under Abu Bakr (رضي الله عنه) and was a key scribe. Umar (رضي الله عنه) and Ali (رضي الله عنه) were political leaders; Abu Hurairah (رضي الله عنه) narrated Hadith.
17 / 20
Before Islam, which religion was predominant in the Arabian Peninsula?
Pre-Islamic Arabia was primarily polytheistic, with tribes worshipping multiple idols (e.g., Hubal, Al-Lat, Al-Uzza). While Judaism and Christianity had some presence (e.g., Jewish tribes in Medina, Christian communities in Najran), they were not dominant. Zoroastrianism was influential in Persia but not in Arabia.
18 / 20
Which of the following was a key feature of the governance of Caliph Umar ibn al - Khattab( رضي الله عنه )?
Umar (رضي الله عنه) centralized administration (e.g., diwan system), established courts with Qazis, and created a standing army (e.g., garrison cities like Basra/Kufa).
19 / 20
Under the rule of Caliph Umar ibn al - Khattab( رضي الله عنه ), which key financial institution was established to ensure the equitable distribution of wealth?
The Bayt al-Mal managed state revenue (e.g., zakat, jizya) and distributed stipends (ata). "Zakat Fund" is a modern concept, and "Islamic Bank" didn’t exist then.
20 / 20
Which of the following is the main reason for the rise of factionalism during the Caliphate of Ali ibn Abi Talib( رضي الله عنه )?
Usman’s assassination (656 CE) led to divisions, with rebels (Khawarij) and Muawiya (رضي الله عنه) demanding justice, culminating in the Battle of Siffin.
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